Dual control time-lock



Oct. 26, 1937.

DUAL CONTROL TIME LOCK Filed Jan. 2, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet l w. c MILLER El AL 2,097,035

Oct. 26, 1937. w i MlLLER ET AL 2,097,035

DUAL CONTROL TIME LOCK Filed Jan. 2, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Lfjga Oct. 26, 1937. w c. M|LLER ET AL 2,097,035

DUAL CONTROL TIME LOCK Filed Jan. 2, 1956 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Oct. 26, 1937.

w. c. MILLER 51* AL 2,097,035

DUAL CONTROL TIME LOCK Filed Jan. 2, 1936 Y 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 a G? I 1 1 Patented Oct. 26, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFiCE DUAL CONTROL TIME -LOCK Application January 2, 1936, Serial No. 57,270

17 Claims.

This invention relates particularly to delayed control time-locks and means for preventing Withdrawal of the door-locking bolt until after the lapse of a predetermined time after the initial manipulation of the lock in the unlocking operation.

The primary object is to provide, in a simple and practical construction, dual mechanisms for automatically effecting release of the bolt-dogging device which serves to prevent withdrawal of the door-locking bolt until a predetermined period of time shall have elapsed. Preferably, a pair of clock-mechanisms are employed, capable of operating conjointly or independently of each other to effect release of the bolt-dogging device from the door-locking bolt, so that, should either of said mechanisms fail, the other will operate nevertheless to withdraw the bolt-dogging device from bolt-obstructing position.

The invention is well adapted for use in connection with a combination lock equipped with a pair of chronometric-mechanisms which are energized during the manipulation of the dial in setting the tumblers to permit retraction of the locking-bolt, or locking-bolts, of the safe.

In the preferred embodiment, a pair of clockmechanisms are arranged in parallel relation in the rear section of a two-part casing, the clocksprings being coaxial; a pair of oscillatable timed cams are interposed between the clocksprings; and a pawl-equipped winding-member is interposed between said cams and is actuated in one direction to effect winding of the springs durin' manipulation of the dial, after which the cams are left free to be returned by the springs to dog-retracting position. Also, in the preferred arrangement, the clocks begin to run immediately after the winding operation is completed and operate to withdraw or permit withdrawal, at the end of a predetermined period, of an abutment, or dog, which normally serves to prevent the bolt-work from being withdrawn during a certain time interval after the combination has been set for unlocking.

The invention is illustrated in a preferred embodiment in the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a broken sectional view of a door equipped with a combination lock having applied thereto the improved dual control time-mechanism; Fig. 2, a view taken as indicated at line 2 of Fig. 1, showing the front section of the casing and the combination-lock mechanism mounted therein; Fig. 3, a view taken as indicated at line 3 of Fig. 1 and line 33 of Fig. 4, showing the rear section of the casing in which the clockmechanisms and associated parts are mounted, it being noted that the casing-sections and the mechanisms mounted therein are complemental to each other, and it being further noted that Fig. 3 shows the position of the parts after the winding of the clock-springs has been effected, in which position a freely journaled disk (lefthand disk in Fig. 3) having a radial slot engaged by a stud on the bolt-retracting device, is locked by a spring-actuated abutment which will be turned by the time-mechanism to free said disk and permit it to be turned during the operation of withdrawing the door-locking bolt; Fig. 4, a plan sectional assembled view on an enlarged scale, the section being taken approximately as indicated at line 4 of Fig. 3; Fig. 5, a vertical section taken as indicated at line 5 of Fig. i, this view showing the position of the winding pawl with relation to the cam-segments at the moment when the winding operation is about to start; Fig. 6, a fragmentary sectional view, similar to Fig. 5, but showing the position when the winding-pawl is about to become disengaged from the studs with which the cam-segments are equipped; Fig. '7, a'similar view after the cam-segments have been freed from the winding pawl and have been returned by the clock-springs to the dog-releasing position; Fig. 8, a transverse sectional view taken as indicated at line 8 on Figs. 3 and 5; Fig. 9,

a vertical sectional view parallel with the plane of the safe door, the section being taken as indicated at line 9 of Fig. 8; Fig. 10, a detailed sectional view taken as indicated at line of Fig. and illustrating the manner in which a winding sleeve (shown in the left-hand portion of Fig. 8) serves to actuate an arm which is interposed between a pair of studs upon an eccentric-ring which carries the winding-pawl shown in Figs. 5-7; Fig. 11, a section taken as indicated at line i I of Fig. 10; Fig. 12, a section taken as indicated at line [2 of Fig. 10; Fig. 13, a View of the rear or inner end of the winding-sleeve mentioned; and Fig. 14, a broken rear elevational View showing the rear casing-section provided with a window through which may be viewed indicators operated by the escapement-trains of the two clock-mechanisms.

In the illustration given, A designates a safedoor; B, a casing-section secured to the rear face of the door, as by means of screws I, said casingsection containing a combination-lock mechanism including a spindle B which extends through th door and is equipped with an actuating knob B and a dial B the latter associated with the recess W the member 9 is in engagement with the slot 6 a with a dial-ring B which is secured to the door in the usual manner, as by means of screws (not shown); C,'a casing-section which is complemental to the casing-section B and which is secured thereto by means of screws 2 which may extend through the casing-section C and into tapped openings with which the front casingsection B is provided in the lugs 3, shown in Fig. 2; C, a clock-frame removably secured in the rear casing section; C and C front and rear clock-mechanisms, respectively, mounted in the frame C; D, a winding-device, which includes a disk D located in front of the clock-frame, said disk being fixedly mounted on the front'end of a winding-sleeve D and being provided with a radial slot 4 which coacts with the winding stud E (Figs. 2 and 3), which is carried by a fixed disk on the rear end of the spindle B of the combina 7 tion lock; F and F, (Figs. 4, 5, and 8) cams, shown as cam-segments, which serve in effecting the winding of the clock springs, and, ;in turn, are'returned by said springs to effect release of the dogging-device; G, an angularly adjustable fixed shaft carrying an eccentric G upon which is journaled an eccentric'ring G which carries a winding pawl G the rear end of the shaft G having fixedlymounted thereon a graduated disk G (Figs. 8 and 14), the position of adjustment of which determines the period of movement of the cams F and F; H (Figs. 3 and 4), a disk mounted to turn freely on a stud 5 secured to the front sideof the clockframe, said disk being provided with a radial slot ii which is engaged by a stud I (Figs. 2 and 3) which is carried by the bolt-retracting device of the combination lock, said disk having its periphery provided with a recess 7 which aifords'a locking shoulder l and J, an abutment forming a part of the dogging-device, said abutment being carried by a rock-shaft J which normally is thrown to the dogging position by a spring J said rock-shaft being equipped, as shown in Fig. 4, with a cam arm J which is bifurcated and has portions adapted to be engaged by the cams F and F.

The combination-lock mechanism is shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 4 as comprising a main locking bolt 8; a bolt-actuating member 9 connected with the bolt by 'a pivot 9 a rear disk i0 fixedly secured on the, rear end of the'spindle B and carrying the Winding stud E; and tumbler-disks il mounted on the spindle in the usual manner. These parts are of the usual construction and arrangement. The member 9 is equipped with a forwardly projecting bar or pin 9 which is adapted to 'ride upon the tumbler-disks and at the propertirne enter the slots indicated at i l The member 9 is provided, also, with the usual lug 9 which'is'adapted to drop into a recess 19 'with which the disk I is provided, it being understood that the bolt 8, in this construction, is actuated through the medium of the member 9 when the spindle B is turned to actuate the disk l,'assuming the lug 9 to be in engagement Inasmuch as the stud I on in the auxiliary locking-disk H which forms a part of the bolt-dogging device, it is clear that the bolt cannot be retracted until the timemechanisms move the locking abutment J from the position shown in Fig. 3 to the position shown in Fig. 7.

The clock-frame C is removably secured in the casing-section C, as by means of screws I2. The sides of the clock-frame are designated [3.

inner surface of the rear plate is of the clockframe.

The clock-mechanisms'C and C are similar in' construction. They are provided, respectively,

The screws l2 are provided neartheir threaded ,ends with shoulders 12 which seat against the with clock-springs i5 and i5 whose outer ends gear-trains are shown provided (see Fig. 5) with balance-wheels fe As shown in Fig. 4, the

mounted on a shaft 28 equippedat its rear end with an indicator disk 2t and-the gear-train 56 actuates a pinion 2i mounted on ashaft 2! which is equipped at its rear end with an indicater disk 25 The-indicator disks are located back of therear side member of the clock frame and may be viewed through the Window 22 with which the rear wall of the casing section C is provided. a

j As will be understood from Fig. 8, the windingsleeve D is journaled on a'reduced portion23 of the angularly adjustable fixed shaft G. It has its inner end provided with an integral lugz l.

(Fig. 10) which engages a slot 25 in a journaled radial arm 25 which, as shown in Fig. 5, is disposed between studs 26 and with which the eccentric-ring G is equipped. Thus, the eccentric-ring can be actuated through the medium of the arm 25.

The winding-pawl G is carried by a pivotal screw 28 with which the eccentric-ring G is equipped. A spring 29 tends to hold the butt end of the pawl against or near a stud 39, as

. clock-train iB actuates a pinion 28, which is shown in Fig. 5. During the winding operation,

the butt of the pawl engages the stud was shown in Fig. 6.

The cams F and F are equipped with studs 35 L and 3!? which project'into the path of the pawl G as shown in Fig. 8. Said cams have ring-portions 32 and'32 which slip onto enlargements with which the drums l? and ii are provided. The cams are equipped with radial studsiiii and 33 which are engaged by slots 36 and 34 with which the hub portions of the drums are provided. In effect, the cams are fixed to the drums, the pin and slot connections being provided for convenience in assembling. drums are also "i provided with pins or keys 35 and 35 which engage slots with which the inner walis of the ratchet-wheels are provided. 7

Referring to Fig. 14, the disk G is provided with a serieso'f perforations any one of which may'receiv'e asorew-El which enters a tapped opening in the rear plate it of the clock frame. The perforations are shown graduated. That is, they are numbered 15, 20, 25, and 30. These numbers representminutes.

Referring to Fig.5, the eccentric G is soset that its high point is measured counterclockwise from the arm 25*. with the 15 minute position shown in Fig. 14. By turning the shaft G to the right, as viewed in This corresponds Fig. 5, the period required for the cams F and F to return to the dog-releasing position will be increased. That is, the winding operation will belengthened, the pawl G continuing to engage the stud 31* (see Fig. 6) for a greater length of time. Thus, the time interval may be fixed as desired by angular adjustment of the eccentric G.

The operation may be stated briefly.

In the assembled condition shown in Fig. 4, the winding-pin E of the combination lock (Fig. 2) engages the slot 4 of the winding disk D, and the laterally projecting stud I of the bolt-retracting member 9 engages the slot 6 of the dogging disk I-I. When the bolt 8 was shot to the doorlocking position, the dogging disk H was turned to the position shown in Fig. 3, and the pivoted segmental dog J was permitted to be thrown. to the dogging position shown in Fig. 3. In manipulating the dial of the combination lock to bring the combination to the unlocking position, the stud E of the fixedly mounted disk 10 serves to oscillate the winding disk D shown in Fig. 3. In the clock-wise movement of the disk D, the winding of the clock-springs is effected through the medium of the pawl G acting upon and through the cams F and F'. In Fig. 5, the arrows indicate clock-wise movement during the winding operation. In a reverse movement caused by counter-clockwise movement of the dial-knob, the pawl G may ride idly under the studs 31 of the cams F and F. As appears from Figs. 5-7, the cams have comparatively short raised segments 38 which are somewhat above the general peripheral portions 38. In the winding operation, during which the segments move clockwise as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 5, the cams pass under the cam arm J In the reverse movement, when the cams are being driven back to dog-releasing position by counterclockwise movement as indicated by the arrow in Fig. '7, the arm J is engaged by the high portions 38 of the cams, and the segmental dog J is moved out of engagement with the locking shoulder 1 of the disk H. Thus, while the high portions of the cams 3B are riding under the arm J the dogging-device is released from bolt-obstructing position, and the disk H is free to be turned in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 7 under the action of the stud I when the bolt 8 is withdrawn from door-locking position through the medium of the member 9 actuated by the combination look.

It should be noted, however, that when the high points 38 of the cams pass from beneath the cam-arm J in the movement indicated in Fig. '7, the dogging-device J will be thrown by the spring J to dogging position. Thus, if the operator fails to withdraw the door-locking bolt during the interval which elapses while the high points 38 of the cams are passing beneath the arm J the bolt will be freshly dogged, and the door cannot be unlocked without again permitting the time mechanism to operate. This expedient is of advantage in frustrating daylight robberies, for, even though the attendant be compelled to operate the combination lock, the robber, not knowing the time when the dogging mechanism would free the locking bolt, may allow the critical period to pass, and hence be delayed in effecting the robbery. The length of the high segments of the cams may be as desired. Ordinarily, they will hold the dogging device out of engagement for a period of two or three minutes and then permit reengagement if the door-locki'n'g bolt be not withdrawn in the meantime.

It may be noted that in the winding operation, the pawls mounted on the gears l6 and I6"- may slip idly over the ratchet wheels while the drums I! and I'l are being turned to effect winding of the springs, this being accomplished through the medium of the cams F and F which are keyed to the drums, the cams being actuated during the winding operation through the medium of the winding pawl G When the clock springs drive the cam segments in reverse direction directly through the medium of the drums, the ratchet-wheels fixed to the drums drive the gears I6 and I6 through the medium of pawls I9 and I9 Inasmuch as the movement of the gears l6 and Hi is a slow movement controlled by the escapement gear trains, it will be understood that the return movement of the cams F and F to dog-releasing position is correspondingly slow. The time interval which must elapse before the dog is withdrawn from bolt-obstructing position may be varied by adjustment of the eccentric G through the medium of the angularly adjustable shaft G.

Referring to Fig. 2, it is noted that the casingsection B is provided back of the bolt 8 with a recess 4|, which is adapted to receive a lug 42 with which the casing-section C is provided (Fi 3).

It should be noted, also, that while the clock mechanisms ordinarily operate substantially in unison, either one of the clock mechanisms is capable of driving its cam independently of the other clock mechanism. Therefore, if one of the mainsprings should be broken, the other mainspring will operate nevertheless to effect release of the dogging-device.

The cam-segments F and F are equipped at their outer sides with laterally projecting studs 39 and 39 which engage suitable studs 40 and 40 after the cam segments have completed their spring-driven movement. It is not essential that the cam-segments reach the stop-position at the same moment. Some variation is permissible. In any event, the cam-arm J (see Fig. '7) will not be freed by the high points of the cams until both cams have passed under the cam-arm J As will be understood from Fig. 8, the winding disk D, the clock-springs, the main gear-wheels of the escapement-trains, the drums upon which the cam-segments are mounted, and the ratchetwheels through which the gear-trains are driven, all are in coaxial relation. The construction described is compact, may be readily assembled and disassembled, and is thoroughly reliable in operation.

The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, but the appended claims should be understood as broadly as possible, in view of the prior art.

What we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. Locking mechanism comprising: a closurelocking bolt; main locking means controlling the movement of said bolt; a dogging-device for preventing withdrawal of the bolt; a plurality of time-mechanisms functioning normally cooperatively to effect release of said dogging-device after a time-interval, each of said time-mechanisms being capable of effecting such release independently; and unitary means actuated in the manipulation of said main locking-mechanism to energize said time-mechanism.

2. Locking mechanism as specified in claim 1,

in which'said time-mechanisms comprise a pair of clock-springs, a pair of escapement-control gears, and a pair of cams, all having an axis common with said unitary means, said cams controlling the release of said bolt-dogging device.

3. Locking mechanism comprising: a closurelocking' bolt and a combination lock controlling the actuationof said bolt; a dogging-device for preventing withdrawal of said bolt; a pair of time-mechanisms functioning normally cooperatively to eiiect release of said dogging device after a time interval, each. of said time-mechaclock-mechanism mounted back of said combinai tion-lock mechanism-equippedwith a winding disk having a slot receiving said'winding-stud; a cam-device actuated through'the medium of said winding disk in one direction to effect winding of the clock-spring and then driven in the reverse direction by the clock-spring; a rotatable dogging-disk mounted in front; of said clock-mechanism having a slot engaged by said bolt-retracting member stud and having at its periphery a shoulder; and a spring-held dogging-member engaging said shoulder and adapted to be thrown to non-dogging position by said cam-device after the cam-device has been driven for a time interval by the clock-spring.

5. In mechanism of the character set forth: a pair of clock-springs, a pair of escapement-train gears, and a pair of rotative cams, all in axial alignment; an eccentric between said cams; an eccentric-ring journaled on said eccentric equipped with a pawl adapted to turn said cams to timed position and efiect winding of said springs and then leave the cams free to be driven back by said springs; means for turning said eccentric-ring in winding direction; a bolt; and a bolt-dogging device adapted to be released by either or both of said cams.

6. Mechanism as specified in claim 5, combined with means for adjusting said eccentric to vary the length of travel of said cams. V

7. In mechanism of the character set forth: a clock frame; a shaft angularly adjustable in said frame; an eccentric mounted on said shaft for angular adjustment therewith; an eccentric-ring journaled on said eccentric and equipped with a winding pawl; a winding sleeve journaled concentricallywith said shaft; an arm 'journaled on said shaft and adapted to be actuated by said sleeve, said arm serving to actuate said eccentricring; drums journaled on saidshaft and sleeve;

cam-segments secured on said drums and flanking 7 cured to the drums and having their outer ends secured to the clock-frame.

8. Mechanism as specified in claim 7, in which said winding-sleeve has; one end extending through a side member of the clock frame and equipped with a winding disk. 1 V

9. In mechanism 'of'the character set forth: a door; a casing-section attached to the rear sur face of said door and having. mounted therein a door-locking bolt and main locking mechanism controlling movement of said bolt; a complemental rear casing section connected with said first-mentionedcasing section; a pair of clockmechanisms mounted in parallel relation in said rear casing section; a pair of cams interposed between the clock-mechanisms and adapted to effect winding of the clock-springs when the cams are turned in one direction and then tobe driven by the clock-springs in a reverse direction; a pawl-equipped winding device interposed be tween said cams andadapted to move the cams in a direction to wind said springs; means for actuating said pawl-equipped winding device, including an actuating member locatedin front of the clock-frame; means actuated by said locking mechanism' for actuating said last-mentioned means; a dogging device for preventing retraction'of the door-locking bolt; and means actuated by 'said cams for effecting release of said dogging-device.

10. In mechanism of the'character set forth: a bolt; a combination lock equipped with a boltactuating deviceicarrying a stud; a dogging-disk having a slot engaged by said stud and having V a locking-shoulder; a dog engaging saidshoulder; and time-mechanism adapted to disengage said dog.

ll. Mechanism as specified in claim 10, in

casing; means actuated by the combination lock mechanism serving to wind the springs of said clock-mechanisms; a pair of rotary indicators driven by said clock-mechanisms and observable through arwindow in said casing; a bolt-dogging device; and means actuatable by either of said clock-mechanisms for effecting release 'of said dogging-device. 7

13. 111 time-lock mechanismz a pair of cams inspaced parallel relation; a bolt-dogging de vice adapted to be released by either of said cams; a pair of clock-springs; and a windingmember working inthe space between said cams equippedwith a single pawl through the medium of which said cams may be actuated in the operation of winding said springs. 14. In time-lock mechanism: a clock-frame; a pair of clock-mechanisms mounted in parallel relation in said frame; a shaftangularly adjustable in said frame equipped with an eccentric disposed in a plane between said cldck-mecha nisins, said eccentric being angularly adjustable through the medium of said shaft; a pair of cams flanking said eccentric through the-medium of which the clock-springs may be wound; an eccentric-ring mounted on said eccentric and frame being secured in the rear portion of said equipped with a pawl through the medium of which said cams may be actuated in the winding operation; a Winding sleeve journaled on said shaft and extending through one side of the clock-frame; and a winding disk mounted on the projecting end of said winding sleeve.

15. Mechanism as specified in claim 14, equipped with an arm journaled on said shaft and actuated by said winding sleeve, said arm having lost-motion connection with said eccentric-ring and serving to actuate said ring in the Winding operation.

16. Locking mechanism comprising: a doorlocking bolt; a dogging-device for preventing retraction of said bolt; a pair of time-mechanisms serving, after a time interval, to release said dogging-device, comprising a pair of clock springs and a pair of escapement-control gears, said gears being driven by said springs; a pair of releasing devices for effecting release of said dogging device, driven by said springs, each of said releasing devices being capable of eiiecting release of said dogging device; and means axially aligned with said gears and springs for moving said releasing devices to tensioned position and effecting winding of said clock springs.

17. Locking mechanism comprising: a doorlocking bolt; a dogging device for preventing retraction of said bolt; a pair of time mechanisms serving, after a time interval, to release said dogging device, comprising a pair of clock springs and a pair of escapement control gears, all in axial alignment, said gears being driven by said springs; releasing devices comprising a pair of cams for efiecting release of said dogging device, driven by said springs, each of said cams being capable of effecting release of said dogging device; and means for moving said releasing devices to tensioned position for effecting winding of said springs, said means comprising a pawlequipped disk interposed between said cams.

WILLIAM C. MILLER. EARL BOUGHTON. 

